Motorcycle armour is the impact layer that turns a jacket or pants into real protection. This range covers back, chest, hip, shoulder, elbow and knee armour from Armanox, Leatt, Shot, Thor, Oxford and more, in CE Level 1 and Level 2 ratings to suit road, off-road and cafe racer riders.
How to choose motorcycle armour
Armour is certified to EN 1621 at one of two levels. CE Level 1 transmits a maximum average of 18 kN of force in lab testing, while CE Level 2 transmits no more than 9 kN, so Level 2 absorbs roughly half the impact energy reaching your body. Back protectors follow EN 1621-2, where Level 1 allows up to 18 kN and Level 2 caps at 9 kN. The garment that holds the armour is rated separately under EN 17092, where AAA is the highest abrasion class, AA suits most road use and A covers urban riding.
| Armour zone | Standard | Common rating |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow / Shoulder | EN 1621-1 | Level 1 or Level 2 |
| Knee / Hip | EN 1621-1 | Level 1 or Level 2 |
| Back | EN 1621-2 | Level 1 or Level 2 |
Coverage matters as much as level. A Type A back protector covers a smaller area than a Type B, so taller riders often size up. Armanox supplies CE Level 2 inserts for back, hip, shoulder, elbow and knee, plus Type B sets that bundle 4 zones in one kit. Fit is the deciding factor: armour that floats away from the body in a slide does nothing, so check pocket dimensions in mm against your jacket or pants before buying.
Off-road and enduro riders lean toward chest and back combinations rated to EN 1621-3 for the torso, while road and cafe racer riders usually start with Level 1 elbow and shoulder inserts and add a Level 2 back protector. Soft viscoelastic foam stays flexible until impact then stiffens, giving 100% coverage with minimal bulk across all 6 body zones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 armour?
Both are tested to EN 1621. CE Level 1 transmits a maximum average of 18 kN of impact force, while CE Level 2 caps at 9 kN, meaning Level 2 absorbs roughly half the energy that reaches your body. Level 2 is thicker and offers more protection, Level 1 is slimmer and more flexible.
What does Type A and Type B mean for back protectors?
Type refers to the surface area the protector shields. A Type B back protector covers a larger area than a Type A, so it suits taller riders or those wanting more torso coverage. Armanox offers both Type A and Type B options across its back and hip armour range.
Will this armour fit my jacket or pants?
Most armour follows standard pocket sizing, but always check the insert dimensions in mm against the pockets in your jacket or pants. Armour that sits loose or shifts in a slide loses protection, so a snug, correctly positioned fit is essential for the rated performance to apply.















































